Zhang Linghe Fans Against New Costume Drama ‘Zhu Yu’ and Halting Activities in Protest

Whups! Things are off to a rough start for Zhang Linghe’s upcoming drama Zhu Yu 逐玉. For a drama that hasn’t made anything official yet, it has certainly drummed up a ton of objections from many of the 26-year-old actor’s fans. His fan club recently issued a statement to inform his studio of their decision to stop fan activities such as posting updates and bringing in numbers until the studio takes action. Many of his fans have even left comments where they can, such as the actor’s agency Zhongxing Shidai 众星时代传媒 aka Star Times with captions like “Attention: Zhang Linghe’s Fans Reject Zhu Yu”.

Too Many Costume Dramas?

You see, rumours have previously pegged Zhang Linghe as one of the main leads in the costume historical after the drama’s official account starting following him on social media. There was also speculation that he’s starring opposite actress Tian Xiwei. However, many of the actor’s fans were against his involvement, even urging him to turn it down.

Their reasons? For one thing, fans claim author Tuan Zi Lai Xi’s novel – the story Zhu Yu is based on, isn’t exactly popular. They’re also less than impressed with the plot, and creative team such as the director onboard. It’s yet another costume historical, a genre that the actor’s already done so many times. Considering just how much he has been working on back to back projects recently, perhaps it’d be better for him to take a well-deserved break instead.

Why Zhang Linghe Fans Are Protesting

Based on the most recent update from Zhang Linghe’s side, it sounds like he will indeed be pushing forward with the project. They did say though that billing order is still under discussion. Naturally, both his fans and Tian Xiwei’s are all lobbying that top billing should go to their respective actors. Many feel it will end with equal billing. His fans were already rejecting the drama to begin, what more if he doesn’t get top billing.

In their statement, his fan club asked the studio to give a reason why they believe the project is beneficial as they do not see it and feel the actor’s being forced into it. They also ask the studio to ensure that Zhang Linghe’s personal interests are put first, including but not limited to choosing roles, projects and protecting his status. They also ask the company to stop having the same roles over and over and to give the artist the right to choose different types of themes.

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